The Experiences of School Counselors Who Collaborate With Clinical Mental Health Counselors

Abstract

The current research study explored the experiences of collaboration between K–12 school counselors and clinical mental health counselors (CMHCs). Through transcendental phenomenology, we examined the perspectives of 10 practicing school counselors who have collaborated with CMHCs. We identified seven main themes that highlighted the essence of these experiences: (a) key factors for effective collaboration, (b) “no ego on the table,” (c) benefits of collaboration, (d) roadblocks to collaboration, (e) eliminating roadblocks to collaboration, (f) preservice training, and (g) forging forward in practice. Implications and recommendations from this study inform practicing counselors and counselor education programs about these collaboration experiences and the need for collaboration to support the academic and social/emotional success of K–12 students.

Don’t Wait, Communicate: Rural School Counselors and Disaster Mental Health

“…Prior research highlights the importance of collaboration between school counselors and clinical mental health counselors (CMHCs) to effectively address the mental health needs and enhance the success of K–12 students (Appling et al, 2020; Moran & Bodenhorn, 2015). Effective collaboration between school counselors and CMHCs is especially important during times of trauma and crisis (Appling et al, 2020).…”

“…Prior research highlights the importance of collaboration between school counselors and clinical mental health counselors (CMHCs) to effectively address the mental health needs and enhance the success of K–12 students (Appling et al, 2020; Moran & Bodenhorn, 2015). Effective collaboration between school counselors and CMHCs is especially important during times of trauma and crisis (Appling et al, 2020). As evidenced by the findings in the current study, collaboration in rural communities between school counselors and CMHCs is necessary after a natural disaster to ensure that all students have access to essential resources.…”

“…As mentioned in the current study, after a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, school counselors may be tasked with filling many other roles, which limits time for individual counseling with students. Therefore, referring students to CMHCs with whom they have a collaborative relationship may be an effective way of ensuring students are getting the help they need (Appling et al, 2020).…”